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Digital economy, green innovation and regional resource allocation efficiency: evidence from 257 cities in China

Publication typeJournal Article
Publication date2025-01-17
scimago Q1
wos Q2
SJR0.859
CiteScore7.0
Impact factor3.7
ISSN2296665X
Abstract
Introduction

The digital economy is reshaping economic structures and resource flows, but its role in enhancing resource allocation efficiency within the framework of green development has not yet been fully explored.

Methods

This paper analyzes panel data from 257 Chinese cities to investigate how the digital economy influences regional resource allocation efficiency, with a focus on the mediating role of green innovation.

Results

The results show that the digital economy significantly improves resource allocation efficiency, with nonlinear effects characterized by increasing marginal returns. Mechanism tests reveal that the digital economy optimizes resource allocation by fostering green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that in eastern regions and areas with strong environmental regulations, the digital economy promotes both substantive and strategic green innovations, leading to higher efficiency. In mid-western regions, only substantive green innovation has a significant effect, while regions with weak environmental regulations experience less pronounced impacts.

Discussion

This study offers insights into leveraging green innovation to achieve efficient resource allocation and strengthen environmental resilience in the digital era.

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GOST |
Cite this
GOST Copy
Jiang L. et al. Digital economy, green innovation and regional resource allocation efficiency: evidence from 257 cities in China // Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2025. Vol. 13.
GOST all authors (up to 50) Copy
Jiang L., Zhang Min, HU S. Digital economy, green innovation and regional resource allocation efficiency: evidence from 257 cities in China // Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2025. Vol. 13.
RIS |
Cite this
RIS Copy
TY - JOUR
DO - 10.3389/fenvs.2025.1529946
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1529946/full
TI - Digital economy, green innovation and regional resource allocation efficiency: evidence from 257 cities in China
T2 - Frontiers in Environmental Science
AU - Jiang, Li
AU - Zhang Min
AU - HU, Shihui
PY - 2025
DA - 2025/01/17
PB - Frontiers Media S.A.
VL - 13
SN - 2296-665X
ER -
BibTex
Cite this
BibTex (up to 50 authors) Copy
@article{2025_Jiang,
author = {Li Jiang and Zhang Min and Shihui HU},
title = {Digital economy, green innovation and regional resource allocation efficiency: evidence from 257 cities in China},
journal = {Frontiers in Environmental Science},
year = {2025},
volume = {13},
publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.},
month = {jan},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1529946/full},
doi = {10.3389/fenvs.2025.1529946}
}